With a number of elite veterans going up for sale on November 1, the NRL is expected to undergo a significant halves shake-up.
When the Dragons cut 2026 free agent Ben Hunt with immediate effect earlier this week, it was the first domino to fall. With Hunt still having at least two or three strong seasons under his belt, halfback-needy teams will undoubtedly be attempting to gauge his interest and worth.
Since players like Adam Reynolds and Daly Cherry-Evans don’t have contracts through 2026, teams will probably be searching the free agency pool for replacements.
Since having a strong halfback has never been more crucial, there will likely be a lot of interest in several out-of-contract players in the days and weeks ahead.
Given his age (34) and the numerous injuries he suffered in 2024, it appears that Reynolds will retire after his contract with the Broncos expires next season. Reynolds isn’t ready to rule out playing past 2025, though.
He remarked, “I’ll wait and see how the season begins and how the body feels before making a decision. I don’t know (if next year will be his last).”
Reynolds will see his old coach again, Michael Maguire, who is now responsible for guiding the Broncos ahead after Kevin Walters left.
Reynolds might be able to recapture his best form as a result, and if he has a 2025 free of injuries, the veteran halfback might try to prolong his career. Rival teams are unlikely to show any interest in him just yet, but a successful start to 2025 will change that.
Cherry-Evans will either retire at the conclusion of next season when his contract expires or sign a new short-term contract with Manly since it’s difficult to see him complete his career wearing anything other than Sea Eagles colors.
There will undoubtedly be teams prepared to sign him for a year or two if the Sea Eagles decide not to extend their contract and DCE believes he can play on.
Naturally, 2025 will play a significant role in determining DCE’s future course. The experienced half claims that he isn’t ruling anything out as late as last month.
I don’t think there would be any rush to get anything done right now,” he stated.